My Mind's Eye Blog

Announcing a New Design Team Member-Monika Wright!

Please help us extend a warm welcome to Monika Wright. We are so excited to have Monika join the MME team. We brought Monika on board because of her classic style and her mini album expertise. She will be appearing on the blog starting in August!

To see more of her work and her talent...check out her blog HERE.

Here's a little bit about Monika:

Greetings from the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee! I'm Monika Wright and I am a mini book fanatic. Mini books are my number one favorite way to capture and document our family's story...I just adore the smaller size and almost feel that I can tell a more complete story in that one small space than I can on a 12x12 layout.

I have been featured on numerous blogs, had the privilege of being a guest blogger for Ali Edwards, Big Picture Classes, the Creating Keepsakes blog and others as well as being published in Somerset Memories and Shop4Kids {Australia} magazines and two eBooks for Ella Publishing. I currently serve on the Design Teams at Write.Click.Scrapbook., The Twinery and Paper Issues.

One of the most defining moments of my life came fourteen years ago when I married the {younger!} man who turned me into the best version of me and became a loving and guiding force in the life of my then six-year-old son. We’re lucky enough to have been blessed with two daughters, Isabella and Victoria, whom you'll be seeing lots of as Zach is now 20 years old and in the Navy, and together we make up a big, happy family of five.

One of Monika's favorite projects using MME:

Monika...we are THRILLED to add you to the MME team. Welcome to the family!

Christmas in July with Suzanne

Happy Monday everyone! This is Suzanne! Today I have a two page layout featuring the new collection by Rhonna Farrer, All Is Bright.

Since it is Christmas in July, this line was perfect to document our holiday memories! Now...every year I take photos of my kids after attending Midnight mass in front of our Christmas tree. Our tradition is that while we are away, Santa Claus is visiting with gifts for everyone.

The kids are obviously excited to begin tearing the packages, so I have to act quickly if I want these photos to be taken. Maybe this year, I will take photos before we leave for the night!

I changed my photos to black and white. The All Is Bright Collection has a vintage feel, and the photos seem to compliment the color scheme.

Supplies: All Is Bright: Merry patterned paper,Joy patterned paper,Chevron patterned paper,ephemera frames,accessories pad,sticker accessory sheet,twine,layered sticker,decorative brads,chipboard elements

I used lots of layering of a variety of papers to add texture to the page. I moved recently, and I have not come across my embossing folders! So a simple way to add texture is by using several patterns of paper underneath photos. One of my favorite products from CHA has to be the Accessories Pad! Love the papers, but was drawn to the journaling sheets, and tags.

You can see that I used one of the tags right above the 5x7 photo. I  cut around the image to include the element I wanted.

On top of this sheet I used the coordinating stamps to stamp the date on top. You will also see another element from the accessory pad directly underneath the photo ,too. I simply used it to include my journaling.

The doily is cut from the Ephemera Frames 12x12 paper. I layered the chipboard banner from the chipboard accessory sheet right across the middle. I used a brad at the end, and layered the ribbon sticker from the layered sticker sheet. One thing I LOVE about My Mind's Eye is that they have thought of everything when it comes to embellishments! You do not have to spend time searching for the right embellishment, it already there for you as part of the collecttion! So easy to create a page in no time!

On the right hand side of the page, I used again the accessory pad to create a colorblocking scheme across the middle of the page. On top I layered three 3x5 photos of my kids in front of the tree. Around the bottom of the photos I used the gorgeous twine from the same collection,  and finally I used more chipboard accents to create the fun banner across the top of the page!

Here and there you will see the faint images of black stars that were stamped using the All is Bright Collection. Stamping is a perfect way to add embellishing without the extra bulk to your pages.

After creating this two page layout, I am wondering why I do not make more of them! Love how the two pages coordinate, and I am able to document more photos of special moments in our lives! Now, after playing with this fabulous Christmas line, I want to get started on my December Daily!

Have a great week, and we cannot wait to see what you create with this collection!
 

Scrapbooking with MME Stitched Garlands

Hi, Tina and Shelly here today and we would like to share with you some really fun and easy ways to use MME stitched garlands!

Tina:

Banners and garland are such an 'IN' thing right now, and I just can't get enough of them.  I love the look of banners and garland on layouts and cards, and I'm always trying to think of new ways to use a banner/garland design idea in a new way. The little pre-made MME garlands are super easy and a super fun way to add a banner to a layout. 

Supplies: Indie Chic-Ginger:Bouquet patterned paper,Stripes patterned paper,Brocade patterned paper,twine,stickers,layered stickers,decorative tape,garland,buttons,label stickers,chipboard;Misc-Lily Bee stickers,Tim Holtz staples and stapler,adhesive

For my layout, I strung several strands of the pre-made MME garland across the top of my page.  I really love the circular garland in the IC Ginger collection because each little circle is like a little bundle of happiness.

To add just a little more fun, I strung several buttons on strands of twine and stapled them between the lines of garland.  Using mini clothespins, I 'attached' my photos to the garland to make them appear as if they were hanging. 

Because I used the 'Adventure' Bouquet paper as my background, not much else was needed except a title. 

I hope you enjoyed this project using MME garland.  I can't wait to see how you use it on your projects!

Shelly:

I think banners are such a fun trend right now. They can add such a fun playful element to any page. Once I saw the Nutmeg garland, I knew I had to do a beach page with all those lovely shades of blue.

Supplies:Indie Chic-Nutmeg:Rose Patch patterned paper,Tapestry patterned paper,buttons,label stickers,layered stickers,garland,decorative tape;Indie Chic-Citron:Honeydew patterned paper;Indie Chic-Ginger:Damask patterned paper;Indie Chic-Saffron:decorative buttons;On the Sunny Side-The Sweet Life patterned paper

After laying out my pictures on my blues, I realized I wanted a pop of red to complement my daughter’s swimsuit. I pulled out that lovely red diagonal stripe paper that is on the B-side of On the Sunny Side’s The Sweet Life. I added a strip of it along the top of my page, and then added a few buttons.

After cutting my title out with my Silhouette, I wanted to add a little more red to the bottom of my page, so I cut out an “e” to give my title that extra pop that it needed.

I finished off my page by adding a label (love those to date my pages!), a couple of layered stickers (that perfect little something), and of course decorative tapes (I find myself using these on all my pages! Love.)Oh and guess what, even after all that swooping of garland on my page, I still have a couple of feet left. Hello!

Jewelry Tray

I have been trying to find an antique jewelry tray for in our bathroom for a while.  I haven’t been able to find one of these antique beauties that I feel like I can afford.  Darn budgets!

The other day I realized that I could make my own – and personalize it!  It was really very simple and as you can see, turned out so fun.  Perfect for your bath, a teenage girls, guest bath or teenage boys (with modification of course).

On my crafting mission, I went to my local craft store (which happens to be Hobby Lobby) to pick up the right frame.  You can pick up a frame from any craft OR thrift store or use a frame you already have (better on the budget)!

You’ll need to make sure you have the following before starting:

• My Mind’s Eye: The Sweetest Thing – Honey scrapbook paper and embellishments
• 8 x 10 frame with edges that go up (to keep the “stuff” in)
• 4 – drawer pulls (wood or metal) and paint if you use wood and want them to be the same color as the frame
• Sewing Machine, adhesive, hot glue gun, etc.

I was worried that the size of the frame would be too small because I was envisioning a longer, skinnier rectangle tray, but I think it’s perfect!

I’m demonstrating this fun project on Good Things Utah today (ABC 4 from 10 – 11:00 am).  If you are not able to watch it live, I will post the segment here when it is available.

As usual, I have included instructions for you to download so you can create your own personalized jewelry tray.   Download 2012_07_26_MME_Jewelry Tray

Enjoy!

More Ideal World Projects by Amber

Today we have a post that is 100% eye candy.

Here are four Miss Caroline projects that Amber Packer created for the MME debut on Ideal World a few weeks ago.

Feel free to print,pin,stare or drool...these fabulous layouts are purely for your viewing pleasure. :) Have a wonderful day!

 

Summer Cards with Danni and Suzanne

Hey guys! Today Danni and Suzanne are here to share some adorable summer cards with you. Here's what they came up with!

Danni says:Hello, Danni here with a couple of cards for summer using the gorgeous Indie Chic Ginger line.

I have fallen so hard for this line, as you may have already suspected, and when I saw the "summer cards" post, I knew I'd be able to pull it off with the gorgeous pinks and oranges and greys (all things summer to me).

When I think of summer, I always think of the "sun" and almost all my summer cards have rays of sunshine or a little sun in the corner of them.My kids and I love to soak up the sun in all our outdoor activities, from going to the lake to hiking in the mountains.

I chose to use the gorgeous banner garland to create my suns and I love how easy these were to create and how summery they feel.

Supplies:Indie Chic-Ginger: Flourish patterned paper, Tulips patterned paper, Mellow patterned paper, decorative brads, layered chipboard, designer tape, "Relax" title die cut ,stitched garland; Misc: Cameo file cuts, Papertrey Ink scallop die.

Thanks for stopping by today, I hope you are enjoying your Tuesday!

Suzanne says:

Simple, sweet, and fun summer cards to show someone you are thinking of them! I used cardstock for the base of both cards, and turned to the 6x6 Designer Paper pack to embellish the front.

Supplies:On the Sunny Side-6x6 Designer Paper Pad, layered stickers, chipboard elements;The Sweetest Thing-chipboard elements

I picked one chipboard  element from the Sunny Side collection as the inspiration for the cards. Once I had my sentiments decided, I turned to the layered stickers for the finishing details.

 Supplies:On the Sunny Side- chipboard elements, layered stickers, 6x6 pad, decorative brads, string

Thanks for stopping by today!

Sketch Time!

Remember when I introduced Keri as guest designer for July and I said you'd see her later this month? Today is the day! We loved this layout and accompanying sketch so much...we wanted to feature it in its very own post!

When Anam left we lost our sketch designer and we have missed her creative sketches very much. When Keri came up with a sketch to turn in with her assignments,we were over the moon!

Here's what Keri came up with:

Supplies:Indie Chic-Saffron: Birds patterned paper, Free Spirit patterned paper, 6x6 designer paper pad, border stickers, title, brads, journaling card, trim, wood label, layered stickers; Nostalgia: Roses patterned paper, 6x6 designer paper pad, accessories sheet, chipboard; Misc: thread, alphabet stickers.

Keri Says:I created this layout by first choosing my palette: dark pink, light pink, pale blue, & grey.  Then I went through the Indie Chic-Saffron & Nostalgia collections and grabbed everything that fit strictly within this palette. 

Once I had everything spread out in front of me to work with, I had fun layering diecuts & clustering embellishments.  The “Always Follow Your Dreams” accent is one of my favorite pieces, love the look of the dark pink ink on the wooden texture.

The placement of the squares & rectangles on this layout was something a bit interesting for me, so I created a sketch for anyone who wants to give it a try.  I’d love to see what you create with it!

Wow, Keri...LOVE that sketch. What do you guys think? I'm in the mood to do a little fly by the seat of my crazy pants giveaway.

Create a layout using this sketch (using mostly MME), share the link in the comments here, and I'll select a winner at the end of next week. A random winner. And how about I send you a set of designer tapes?

FUN!

Can't wait to see what you do!!! Oh- and thanks so much Keri!

 

 

Winners!!!

Monochromatic Challenge Winner-Michelle Granger:

 

All Is Bright Collection-Larissa Heskett

Winter Wonderland or 6x6 Collection-Claude Campeau

Lost and Found Halloween Collection-Katie Waltemath

The Sweetest Thing Bluebell or Tangerine Collection- Shelly Greybeck

The Sweetest Thing Lavender or Honey Collection-Natalie (QSO girl)

Congratulations ladies!! Please send me your mailing address at stephanie(at)mymindseye(dot)com!

See you all tomorrow.

Scrapbooking With Wood Accents

MME offers some beautiful wood pieces in their lines, especially in Indie Chic. For those of you who tend to buy pretty things and then look at them instead of use them...we thought we'd offer some inspiration today.

Jana and Tamara are here to share layouts they created using MME wood accents.

Waiting for Dad by Jana Eubank

Supplies:Indie Chic-Saffron:Filigree patterned paper,6x6 pad,create wood label,decorative tape,stitched garland,border stickers,brads,buttons,decorative stickers,layered stickers,label stickers;Indie Chic-Citron:Party wood frame;Indie Chic-Ginger:Pictures wood label,Relax wood frame;Miss Caroline:wood die cuts assorted;Follow Your Heart:rhinestones;Misc-White Cardstock, Watercolor paint, Circle Punch, Small Scalloped Circle Punch, Scalloped Edge Punch, Die Cut Machine & Cartridge (Title), Chipboard Letters, Computer & Printer (Journaling), Distressing Inks, Black Gel Pen, Needle & Floss, Sewing Machne & Thread, Adhesives

Jana Says:I adore the wood pieces by My Mind's Eye and love the natural texture they add to my projects! For this page I decided to create a collage background of several wood pieces from the Indie Chic and MIss Caroline collections. I love all the different shapes together!

I added a soft, color wash to a few of the pieces with pink and gray watercolor paint. For some pattern, I wrapped a couple of the wood pieces with decorative tape from the Indie Chic Saffron collection.

The smaller photo of my daughter is framed with another wood piece. I anchored my title on the large pennant shaped wood piece and tucked my journaling strips underneath the right side of the framed photo. Stickers, brads, buttons, and gems add the final touches.

My Greatest Inspiration by Tamara Jensen

Supplies: Indie Chic Saffron: Filigree patterned paper, Lattice patterned paper, Ornament patterned paper, Daisy patterned paper,Chevron patterned paper, brads, border stickers, decorative stickers, wood label, layered stickers, label stickers, Miss Caroline-Fiddlesticks: die cut wood;Misc:sewing machine and thread,black ink,pen,adhesives

 

Tamara Says:My Mind’s Eye always creates the most unique embellishments – and I think their die cut wood pieces are some of the most innovative ever.  I was just giddy with excitement when I saw their new die cut wood pieces in January.  Then, they even started PRINTING on them with the latest Indie Chic release!  Heavens!  I used the banner wood piece from the Miss Caroline collection – perfect for journaling with a fine tip sharpie.

The pink “Always Follow Your Dreams” title from the Saffron line is such a beautiful piece, I had to use it too. I love how this layout turned out!

How do YOU use our wood pieces? We'd love to see!

Hope you have a beautiful and blessed weekend,MME fans. And as always...make sure to find time to make something beautiful!

 

Double Page Layout Day!

Hey guys! This is Shelly and I'm taking over the MME blog today. Can I say how excited I am about double-page layout day? I love the larger canvas to play with so that I can put lots of pictures and have plenty of space for the creative and fun part.

I started off by scrolling through my summer photos that I have taken so far, and what do you know; I stumbled upon our first camping trip of the season right off the bat. The perfect pictures to complement the earthy tones in some of the Indie Chic collection!

Supplies:Indie Chic-Citron:Lovely patterned paper,Sherbet patterned paper,Tangerine patterned paper,tape,decorative brads,layered stickers,label stickers,die cut title;Indie Chic-Nutmeg:Rainbow patterned paper,Medallions patterned paper,decorative stickers;Misc-cardstock,Cosmo Cricket chipboard letters,circle punch,Becky Higgins date stamp,adhesives

 

Knowing that I was going to use lots of different patterns and colors, I started my base off with cardstock. Bazzill’s Mud Puddle Dotted Swiss was just the thing. I am pretty sure I heard some angels singing in the background when I placed a piece of Indie Chic Nutmeg “History” Medallions Paper next to it.

Nothing beats that feeling of the perfect match, does it? And that is when I just went to town layering and cutting all my pretty little pieces of paper.

Then it was time for the title. Indie Chic has one massive collection of fun die-cut titles. Of course, I found the perfect one with “Nothing is better than time together.” I simply added the word “Camping” to complete my title. Easy peasy.

I finished off my page with a little stitching here & there and a touch of decorative tape to a few of my pictures. I stitch across the banners and added a few brads to add a little something extra.

Extra Tip:Do you want to know a little trick I do with brads? I actually use wire cutters to trim off the prongs, use the back side of tweezers to bend the ends in, and then I can move them around my page until I find the perfect spot for them. When I find the right spot, I just use some glue dots to stick them down.  I’m not sure how many other people do this, but it works for me!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, guys! Hope your Thursday is lovely.